When talk radio stations give out their phone numbers,
who are the callers who call in?
When representatives receive your communications, what
really happens?
When politicians say their top priorities are x, y and z,
does their list match the latest Zogby poll results? Does their legislative record reflect
that stated concern?
These are the kinds of issues we're now going to address in order to
develop a more productive strategy than activists might have used in the past. It
can be more effective, more fun and more satisfying than you might imagine.
But it takes persistence. We'd like to recommend that you decide
on a particular kind of activism, and do that one well, and regularly. Cause an
audience to be familiar with your issues, identify with an organization or group of people
when appropriate to project credibility, and keep using a common vernacular so that
the message gets repeated over and over again, and becomes familiar from coast to coast,
like a slang expression, no matter who says it. This is about branding, or brand
name recognition..
Remember that it's not important to win the discussions you have,
it's only important that you plant seeds of inquiry. An intellectually honest
exchange without judgementalism... challenging people to put themselves in another's shoes
to try to get them to experience it and for it to be relevant... is more effective than
generating resistance to your subject.
Do not try to joust with others about facts if you are not well informed.
Politicians talk theory and ideal, not facts and specifics. There's an obvious reason for
this. They don't know. And neither do the people they lead.
Cause people to understand what you want them to
know.
Let them win an argument for the opportunity to make your point. People will hear
you, and, over time, understand, and join in to defend your position. It's important
to interrupt the rhythm of the Rush Lindbaughs of the world by voicing reason, logic and
compassion despite demeaning responses. The audience may clap, but the people will
hear YOU.
People just haven't figured out they have permission to
speak out. Give them permission by setting the example.